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When Does Mock Juror Research Help Win Cases?

Feb 9, 2022

Dennis J. Devine, PhD, MJ
Dr. Dennis Devine, Publications

All mock juror research involves asking a sample of people to think like real jurors and share their beliefs and opinions about a case. This research takes many forms – surveys, focus groups, mock trials, and targeted studies on opening statements, closing arguments, or witness perception – to name a few. But the underlying goal … more »

Strategizing for Trial – Post-Pandemic

Oct 22, 2021

Trisha Volpe, JD
Jury Consultant, Trisha Volpe

Telling your client’s story at trial in a compelling and persuasive way is what trial lawyers do. While the pandemic has delayed most jury trials, the courts are opening up and many trials have moved forward in the last year, some virtually and some with a virtual/in-person twist. How can you still be effective and engage with the jury when trial doesn’t look like it used to? In this ThemeVision Focus video, watch Trisha Volpe’s interview with top Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP trial attorney Nancy Erfle who conducted a recent jury selection via Zoom and was part of the team trying the case in person. Here’s her perspective on trial storytelling during the pandemic and whether some aspect of the virtual trial is here to stay.

Case Decision Making, Part II: What’s in Your Model?

Apr 9, 2021

Dennis J. Devine, PhD, MJ
Dr. Dennis Devine, Jury Consultant, ThemeVision Focus

If the case is about money, it’s helpful to know what the case is worth to those who will eventually decide the issue at trial. Most attorneys probably use reasoned logic in conjunction with the facts of the case to decide this question. Maybe the result is tempered by personal history for those with trial experience. But relying on these things is risky.

The COVID Effect Part 2: Measuring the Impact on Juror Perspectives

Mar 19, 2021

David C. Bartholomew
Dr. Dennis Devine, Dr. Dennis P. Stolle, Hillary Abraham, Trisha Volpe

By Dennis Devine, Dennis Stolle, Trisha Volpe, & Hillary Abraham Jury trials are starting up again—but the world has changed. ThemeVision recently conducted a national survey of 532 U.S. adults to assess the impact of COVID and other 2020 events on civil juries. We previously reported that about half the people we surveyed said they … more »

Trial Storytelling During COVID 2

Mar 10, 2021

Trisha Volpe, JD
Jury Consultant, Trisha Volpe

Telling your client’s story at trial in a compelling and persuasive way is what trial lawyers do. While the pandemic has delayed most jury trials, the courts are opening up and many trials have moved forward in the last year, some virtually and some with a virtual/in-person twist. How can you still be effective and engage with the jury when trial doesn’t look like it used to? In this ThemeVision Focus video, watch Trisha Volpe’s interview with top Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP trial attorney Nancy Erfle who conducted a recent jury selection via Zoom and was part of the team trying the case in person. Here’s her perspective on trial storytelling during the pandemic and whether some aspect of the virtual trial is here to stay.

About Half: New Data on COVID and Jury Pools

Feb 10, 2021

Dennis J. Devine, PhD, MJ
Dr. Dennis Devine, Hillary Abraham, Publications

ThemeVision’s Nationwide SurveyThemeVision is a litigation consulting firm that counsels clients on jury decision making and conducts jury research in cases around the country. We obtained a diverse, national sample of responses from 532 U.S. adults (locations shown above). Our questions fell into several buckets: Demographics, Health-related behaviors and contracting COVID, Willingness to serve as … more »

Arguments: Quality, Quantity, and the Persuasive Power of Three

Jan 20, 2021

Amit Patel, JD, MA
Amit Patel, Jury Consultant, ThemeVision Focus

we cannot truly know whether the spirit of holiday generosity resounded in the minds of jurors, whether consciously or not. Nevertheless even without the backing of hard science, there is the strong perception of a “holiday effect” upon jurors, and attorneys would be wise to contemplate it during this time of the year, lest they be left with a “Bah humbug!” of a verdict.

Ten Tips for Litigators on Working with a Graphic Artist

Dec 11, 2020

Trisha Volpe, JD
ThemeVision Focus, ThemeVision Graphics, Trisha Volpe

Today’s litigators recognize the importance of using good visuals to help tell their client’s story. Appreciating and harnessing the power of effective storytelling at trial can have an impact on the outcome. Visual storytelling, with graphics or demonstratives, can help trial lawyers deliver their client’s story in a more compelling and persuasive way, helping judges and jurors better understand the evidence.

Case Decision Making: What’s in Your Model?

Nov 24, 2020

Dennis J. Devine, PhD, MJ
Dr. Dennis Devine, Jury Consultant

Every legal case comes with a host of decisions. Some are big and bright; many are small and subtle. Some are not even perceived as decisions due to the chilling effect of convention, personal habit, or law-firm policy. But there are always many questions—and where there are questions, there are decisions. Consider several that arise … more »

‘War Room’ Safety – Staying safe in your team work space at trial during the COVID pandemic

Nov 20, 2020

Trisha Volpe, JD
ThemeVision Focus, Trisha Volpe

The COVID-19 pandemic has moved much of the business of courts around the country online. Some courts are continuing to delay and even shut down jury trials completely. Here are a couple of recent examples noted by my ThemeVision colleague Dennis Stolle. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6733824625433751552/ https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6733067875273240576/ https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6735555771460849664/ But trials – in-person trials or some combination of virtual … more »

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